BASH BALL

Somerset's Shoaib all set for his biggest Test

ENGLAND have handed a shock Test call-up to Somerset rookie Shoaib Bashir in the hope they are backing a "world-class" spinner of the future.

The 20-year-old, who has just six first-class matches and 10 wickets on his CV, is one of three uncapped players in a 16-man squad to tour India in a five-Test tour starting next month Defending the left-field selection, director of cricket Rob Key admitted selectors and head coach Brendon McCullum were going on a gut instinct on a player they believe can reach the top.

Bashir only made his professional debut in June but has been fast-tracked through to Lions level and was scouted by the Kiwi coach at their training camp in Abu Dhabi.